Ein seltener karolingischer Fund aus Siebenbürgen

Abstract

This contribution analyses a small gilded bronze strap-end decorated in the Tassilo Chalice style, from Cristuru Secuiest (hungar. Székelykeresztúr; jud. Harghita / RO). It was discovered during the excavation of a medieval manor house and published in 2008 as a Turkish fitting from the 17th century. It therefore remained unknown for early medieval studies. Its front is decorated in the Tassilo Chalice style and presents a stylised quadruped. Costume elements, liturgical devices and personal ornaments, decorated in the Tassilo Chalice style are dated to the last third of the 8th and the beginning of the 9th century. The strap-end shows similarity to two finds in Middle Europe. A strap end of the same shape and decoration was found in Petronell, another during the excavations on the Wawel in Krakow. It is important evidence for the contacts between the Carolingian Empire and the Bulgars / Slavs in Transilvania of the first quarter of the 9th century.